Shadows at Dawn: An Apache Massacre and the Violence of History (The Penguin History of American Life)

An important book in understanding the problems in writing accurate history. Its point that the socially and politically powerful get to write the history of critical events is almost a cliche', but needs to be emphasized when you are talking about clashes between groups who have fundamentally different ways of thinking about, compiling, and reporting history. The idea that oral traditions, stories, and "myths" are useful and valid historical sources is very important, and in direct conflict with western European academic "scholarship" traditions. But, this cross-cultural comparative history is gaining acceptance.The use of Native American tribal terms and names in the tribe's language (as well as Spanish) is also valid, but sometimes makes for difficult reading, especially for an Anglo. Advice to readers: use a sticky note to tab each map, drawn as the people under discussion in each section conceived and populated the area in the part of Arizona and Mexico that is the subject of the book. Also, tab the glossary at the back where the key terms and names in the various languages (other than English) are defined.Given that, the book can tell us much about modern conflict as well as the 1871 conflict in Arizona, and gives some insight (never directly discussed, but always present) into why the U.S. has such a strong gun culture. Guns were the law, protection, a survival tool, and an aggression and revenge instrument, in the face of a weak, inept, ignorant, and confused Federal government. And I'm not a Federal government hater...the Government was simply over-extended, as well as dealing with an historic conflict...The Civil War, and the racism that lay at the base of that war and the dealings with Native Americans. Humans seem to need an "other" to hate, no matter what the cultural background. But the way of thinking about the "enemy" varies significantly from group to group. The book deals with this.U.S. Anglo racism appears to this reader to be one of the most virulent among those presented in the book. It is based on notions of cultural and genetic superiority along with the sense of entitlement that "Manifest Destiny" created. But again, it is only some of Anglos (but powerful ones) that operate that way. The book (and hopefully this reader) recognizes that the issue is more complex than that.It's a stimulating read, well and dramatically written despite the linguistic difficulties..

I ordered this book after reading a review of it by Larry McMurtry in the New York Review of Books, on the theory that Mr. McMurtry would be a good guide on the subject. Professor Jacoby looks at the 1861 Camp Grant Massacre (~140 Apache killed, mostly women and children, other children captured to be sold as slaves in Sonora) from the separate viewpoints of the whites, Mexican-Americans, Tohono O'odham Indians, and the Apache themselves. The massacre is placed in a context of atrocities committed on all sides, and there is a fine history of escalating clashes between white and Indian cultures from the earliest contacts with the Spaniards.The Apache account is a bit disappointing because, as an oral culture, the source material has not been preserved. One shares the sense of outrage and betrayal, given that the Apache had placed themselves under protection of the nearby U.S. Army outpost.However, the white account is chilling, especially in the notes that quote from the bloodthirsty newspaper articles of the day advocating extermination. Lt. Col. John Baylor, a Confederate officer, decided to exterminate the adults and sell the children as slaves. Jefferson Davis countermanded the order and revoked Baylor's commission, but, in view of what the South was fighting for, one shares Baylor's bewilderment at how his solution was greeted.There is a fine glossary, but I wished there was also a pronunciation guide.

I would classify this book as a sociological look at the Camp Grant Massacre. As such, it does not have a riveting narrative but looks at the massacre from many points of view. It can be hard to follow, yet is a fascinating book and worth the effort for anyone fascinated with Arizona or Southwest history. I highly recommend it but have docked a star because it isn't for everyone. I live a little over an hour's drive from Arivipa and have hiked there but had no idea about the massacre or the results of it. It is not a happy chapter in our history. Ironically, sever streets and a park in Tucson are named after the perpetrators of the massacre. Isn't it time those were changed?

I was disappointed in this book. It was not so much about the Apache nation as it was about the history of the west and the settlement by other countries.

Clearly among the top books recounting events leading up to the massacre. Interesting to find some (rather minor, considering everything) differences with other books and accounts - actions, events or determinations that are likely not absolutely determinable at any rate. Side note: although it is not difficult to locate the specific site of the massacre with all available information, it is a shame that some marker - even a small roadside historical notation sign - could not be placed near the site. I presume the Apache, and all interested parties, just do not want to risk desecration or unwanted attention to the location.

Jacoby has done a good job of tackling a dark event in the history of Arizona and the west. However, the reader should be aware that this volume is largely focused on identity, race and other social issues. This is less of a linear approach to a signature event of the Apache Wars.

a very good books about history of apaches and the wars between them and the whites and Mexicans. It shows whites were out to get rid of all Indians off their land and also take Mexicans land from them.an eye opening book aout the apaches and with people the savages were the white people. They do not teach in the history books.i

Clear, Outstanding explanation of the relationships by the various Indian, Mexican and "American groups living in a lawless relationship and the difficulties of settling the Arizona territory. Ruthless and difficult abuse of the Apaches et al.

Definitely worth the money

Produkt kam in guter Qualität und rechtzeitig.